In chapter 7 of The Hobbit,entitled "Queer Lodgings," Bilbo, the dwarves, and Gandalf stay with the skin-changer, Beorn. Although Beorn "can be appalling when he is angry," Gandalf and the other travelers win his trust as they share the tales of their adventures while traveling (106). At first Beorn is not entirely convinced of the veracity of Gandalf's tale, and he leaves the Carrock to confirm that the dwarves did kill the Great Goblin and fought off wargs.

Beorn understands the danger and difficulties they have endured and promises Gandalf and Thorin the use of "ponies for each of them and a horse for Gandalf, for their journey to the forest" (121). Beorn also sees fit to supply them with "food to last them for weeks with care" which includes "nuts, flour, sealed jars of dried fruits, and red earthenware pots of honey, and twice-baked cakes that would keep good a long time" (121). To complete the inventory, Beorn includes skins for carrying water as well as bows and arrows. Beorn's generosity helps the dwarves on their way; without his intervention and advice about Mirkwood, they surely would not have survived.